"Boca Burger Battle: A Grilling Affair" to Debut on July 14

Vegetarians are usually shut out of the burger battle game, left to nibble on toothpicks and stray pieces of lettuce that haven't been soaked in meaty leftovers. But the first-ever Boca Burger Battle: A Grilling Affair (which is in no way affiliated with a certain other Burger Battle that may be familiar to Fort Lauderdale residents) on July 14 aims to be more inclusive in that regard.

Robert Stanfield, event manager for the Boca Burger Battle production team said the event was "designed for the masses" and to have "something for everyone." That includes beef burger alternatives like tuna burgers and even a vegan option.

Burger contenders are still registering for the fight, but some of the local restaurants throwing their hats in the ring include Biergarten Boca Raton, Gimme a Burger, Big Joes Burger and Wings, Brewzzi, Red's Backwoods BBQ, Boardwalk Burgers and Fries, Brickyard Micro Brewery, and Smashburger, among others. New kid on the block Rebel House will compete and Wave 2700 will offer its vegan nut grain burger for consideration.

Other bites on offer include wings from Tucci's Fire N Coal Pizza, beer-battered onion rings from Potions in Motion, and a French fry bar by Lenore Nolan-Ryan Cooking School and Catering Company. A few sweet treats will be served. Craft beer, wine, and liquor options round out the menu. A panel of judges that includes Jan Norris and Lenore-Nolan Ryan, among others, will judge the burger entrants.

While the beefy battle is an obvious draw for the event, Stanfield said the intention also is to highlight businesses in the Boca Raton area, particularly during a time of year when things can get a bit...slow in the area.

"Boca hasn't had a large summer event in years," Stanfield said. "We're hoping it stimulates business for the local businesses."

There will be some educational components to the event, as well as live music by reggae band the Resolvers and a green market. This being Boca, the event skews slightly upscale.

"This isn't a beer bash and it's not a buffet," Stanfield said, stressing the culinary aspects of the evening.

Tickets are $50 in advance and $75 at the gate. The 21-and-older event is 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 14 in Sanborn Square in Boca Raton. Tickets are available here.